The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will host its first-ever Vocation Fair at a World Youth Day (WYD) on Wednesday, August 17. St. Francis Borgia Parish in Madrid will host the event. 

“This is a tremendous opportunity to invite our youth to open their hearts to Christ and respond to his call to the priesthood and the consecrated life,” said Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis, Missouri, chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. 

Recent surveys of the newly ordained and those making their final religious profession indicate that at least 20 percent of them participated in a WYD one time or another. “We are very grateful to the pastor, Father José Antonio Vitón, and to the Jesuit community and parishioners at St. Francis Borgia for allowing us to hold the Vocations Fair at their home,” Archbishop Carlson added.

The fair will open with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer, led by Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston, and will continue in the auditorium with featured speakers, opportunities for the youth to interact with bishops, and other activities.

Speakers include Father Robert Barron, founder of the global ministry Word on Fire, and Professor of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois; and Father Joseph O’Connor, vocations director for the Diocese of Syracuse, New York. Noted Christian singer Danielle Rose will provide a witness talk 0n discerning religious life. Religious sisters and brothers from different communities and seminarians also will offer personal testimonies and host a vocation-themed game show. There will be social time with the bishops in attendance, including an ice cream social at 8:30 p.m.

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, will close the event with Night Prayer and Benediction. A separate chapel will be available during the fair for groups and individuals to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

Courtesy of the USCCB media relations office.